I stopped my son cutting a $12,000 gem - now I feel bad

The other day, my son Saxon came to me with some nobby rough opals and asked if he could cut them and I gave him the green light, thinking they were good practice pieces. However, 20 minutes later, while I was on the phone, Saxon showed me one of the nobby's he had started working on. When I saw the red color bar running all the way around, I immediately told him to stop. I couldn't believe the potential value hidden in that piece.
I, being a control freak at times, just had to take over and finish cutting that one.
Enjoy the journey of this rough opal turning into an epic gem opal!
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[@virginian7317]

Take joy in the fact he recognized it as a special piece and came to his pops straight away as to direction. I wouldn't overthink it.

[@arthurjones9580]

Exactly

[@arthurjones9580]

What a beautiful work of art!!!!!!

[@nickarganbright7218]

Honestly I totally agree. Not saying his son is lacking skill at all, but comparatively he is lacking experience. And with something that expensive it is probably best to bring it to the master mind.

[@virginian7317]

@@nickarganbright7218 It isn't even about the value of the stone, it's about the story of the stone dad didn't let me cut. I can assume it will be told long after Justin is gone maybe like the ones Justin tells,usmof his dad. Wouldn't surprise me if the stone gets bigger😎

[@nickarganbright7218]

@virginian7317 your not wrong, if his father let him cut it and he did it beautifully, that could have put him into instant legend status. But still I can't say it was a bad decision overall, considering how much it is worth.

[@petert3355]

It's pretty obvious that Saxon knows enough to recognise a stone that was above his current skill level. He saw that and brought it to you. That is worth a big pat on the back..

[@crunchied8]

so true

[@mm6705]

i think it's indicative of lack of confidence, and/or not wanting to upset dad. In either case, you shouldn't reward such behavior. Both parties should have done different things, so this is a learning reference moving forwards. Dad needs to let go of some control and allow his son to gain the confidence, as well as show Saxon he trusts him. IMO could have easily been done with Dad's supervision. This stone was very straight forwards. I am a low skill level cutter, and have cut FAR thinner colorbars, its really easy, just go slow.

[@chrisberry9017]

@@mm6705easy to say when it’s not your investment.

[@ryan9343]

Yes. This. Saxon knows his ability better than anyone else. Some day, he will bring a beautiful stone to you, partially cut, for guidance on finishing touches. Mentoring an apprentice is not a fast journey. It will take many many years. Take joy he shares your passion. Take pride in every small step forward. Only thing I’d recommend, is having him right next to you, explaining how you approach cutting “his stone”, because when he’s your age, he will look back at it being “our stone”. Cherished memories.

[@fredygump5578]

Give him a bonus when you sell it? He discovered it, and he had the presence of mind to recognize the potential. Being rewarded for being involved with this one will be a great encouragement. It'll make him hungry to discover more great stones. Opal fever, right?

[@87bwadman]

Extra fish on his tacos, he must be hungry

[@FransBlaas1]

Give the original finder a share of the profit as well. He might have got only $100 for it.. deserves more.. 😊😊

[@cynthiaclee9209]

Why didn’t you let him do it, ? He was the one that found it, have more faith in him ! !

[@denisemurray412]

@@cynthiaclee9209 recognizing the stone's potential and being able to do it are two very different things. I'm glad he came to Dad to show him that he's learning before it could become a money mistake.

[@pemuladingpa7440]

👌👍👏

[@jenrosejenrose7417]

The fact that he recognized it and brought it to you means you tell him that his judgment was very good, and it's actually really good to know when to come to someone for a second opinion when your skills are developing.

[@blackopaldirect]

agreed!

[@katrinasamson8593]

You taught him the value of being cautious when the possibility of greatness is faced. There is always another stone to continue learning on.

[@mm6705]

there is always another stone, they have top pick of rough from the best mines on the planet. I think you are applying your logic to the wrong side of the debate.

[@meech2163]

@mm6705 what? Their point was that there's no point taking risks and trying to learn on such expensive pieces. Just practice on cheaper ones and get good until you can do an expensive one and be confident it'll turn out well

[@mikkohernborg5291]

I think the person you should ask if you made the right decision is Saxon. I think he is grounded enough to understand, and if he wants to do more critical pieces like this one, it’s a sign of growing maturity and ambition; and if he concurs with your actions, it shows wisdom and awareness of his own limitations. Limitations you can provide guidance for to enable him to transcend them. He seems to have a very good eye for spotting good nobbies already, so I’m sure he will make an excellent cutter some day.

[@HonourEtVeritas]

In my opinion, it would have been better to have brought Saxon back to work on it with you, together. Cutting a stone like this can be a huge learning opportunity, and to experience that with his father, would have been a special moment.

[@elizabethwitt2621]

I was thinking the same, but I'm sure Saxon is watching Justin very often on lots of other pieces.

[@Quickened1]

,​@@elizabethwitt2621, not only that, but he's got the unedited version of this video, and he and his dad can go over all the finer details together that way. Which is still quality, father son time...

[@mm6705]

totally agree. Saxon works it, with supervision from dad. It was a straight forward cut.

[@SubjectiveFunny]

​@@mm6705no, the colour bar was tiny... That was not a simple cut at all.

[@craftsmanwoodturner]

@@elizabethwitt2621 and watching these videos!

[@stevenseltzer3589]

Your son did the right thing! He knew well enough to recognize a quality gemstone and you taught him that. So in reality it was a team effort! Nice job!❤😊

[@jackiesproul2645]

Glad your son was smart enough to see that. He inherited your eye!

[@grandparocky]

Good on Saxon to recognize what he had!

[@blackopaldirect]

This is true

[@karenpinson759]

Saxon knew enough to come to Dad for advice. That is valuable as well.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah true

[@shawnstatzer95]

You cutting that stone hit the entire emotional pallet: anger, worry, anticipation, hope, and awe. Leaving us at the edge of our seats, the end result was stunning. That is why you are the opal king. Now, you regret not allowing your son to do it, but he also chose not to allow himself to do it. Sometimes, we learners know our positions and limitations in our learning experiences.

[@_ingoknito]

If that's an option: gift him the stone - it's definitely something connecting the two of you in a special way.

[@crissi6220]

Well, we ALL learn from mistakes - so do you as a father and in your case also as teacher and "master of your art"! So the next time Saxon shows you a beautiful stone, you maybe will let him do it - or even the other way around: you start with a stone, it looks promising and you ask Saxon if he wants to have the pleasure to cut it... I guess he would really appreciate it! ❤

[@immerbockplayingstreamraid7135]

Next time ask him if he thinks he can handle a potential high value stone. In general I feel you can only achieve expert craftmansship if you are allowed to make mistakes. If he learns from his mistakes it be ok in the end.

[@alistairmills7608]

Please don't beat yourself up Justin, it's all part of being a Dad. Saxon has your and your Dad's heritage and Inherent DNA as well as Epigenetic DNA. Normally our sons perform even better than we do and they knock our socks off. Go Saxon, Good on you Justin.

[@snakeatwar]

While I appreciate the sentiment, regarding epigenetics, I recall the words of Inigo Montoya. "You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

[@raidermomcathy2043]

Since you asked, as a parent, you did exactly what was needed in that moment! When it happens again, you’ll know exactly what to do then, also! Your son knows you love him, are proud, and will be there no matter what! That is the most important gift ever! ❤

[@lloydbellis7360]

Saxon did the right thing, don’t be hard on yourself. Epic stone. Thank you 😎😎😎👍👍👍

[@gaylesanders936]

Everyone has an opinion of what you should/shouldn’t do but you made the best decision you could at the time. There will be other stones for Saxon to cut, every one he cuts makes him that much better. I really enjoy watching the two of you work side by side. What a great relationship you have! God bless you both.

[@mcrickard1]

There is no right or wrong in your decision. Saxon has a GREAT eye... in recognizing the potential value of the stone. He appropriately stopped & came to you for further evaluation. ALL good! As Saxon's cutting/polishing skills continue to grow, I would look forward to a future opportunity to include Saxon working alongside you (or you working alongside Saxon) "going in"! By the way... OUTSTANDING BEAUTIFUL opal!

[@goldenhands7024]

When you said " I'm actually feeling nervous " I had to laugh 😅 just watching it shredded my nervous system 😂😂

[@janetmckenzie146]

I’m not sure if Saxon should have kept the stone, but it was a joy watching you work with it. Gorgeous.

[@claymcintyre7515]

Sounds like you and Saxon have discussed his boundaries and he did exactly what he was supposed to do. Bravo Saxon! Unless I’m wrong, this piece was in amongst the pieces he’s allowed to practice on, which means there wasn’t a big investment in the stone. I would have let him cut it but I would have been there to coach him. My dad has passed on as well but I ,like you, cherish the memories of him teaching me even If it cost him his investment plus some.

[@Huck19Bella]

You could've let Saxon cut the stone under your expert guidance and tutelage. It is a beautiful gem regardless. Very very nice.

[@stephendavis7057]

Saxon has the best teacher he can get. He's progressed so much. I'm guessing he would have had you right next to him to guide him through that stone if he needed it. But I think he would have done a great job on it

[@daviddeuter1871]

Hi Justin, the very fact that you are asking if you did the right thing by cutting the stone youself instead of Saxon, shows that you do in fact have confidence in Saxon's abillity and that you will probably let him cut the next one, albeit under your guidence. Full credit to Saxon for understanding that he may have not felt/been ready to do it himself. Maybe he IS ready? 🙂

[@nickfranklin1867]

Personally I think you made the right decision, good on Saxon for having the maturity to show it to you and get your opinion, what a stunning stone!

[@steev927]

While you Saxon does need to make his own mistakes, you're still running a business which he also relies upon. You made the right call, and he made the right call to show you before he just up and cut the stone himself. Beautiful gem!

[@AlphaAnton]

My goodness that is a beautiful stone. Well done to both of you. Saxon showed great maturity checking with you first and you just knocked it out of the park.

[@bentationfunkiloglio]

That’s a stunner. Thin color bars can be a tremendous challenge. It amplifies the significance of every decision. Definitely, not a beginner stone.

[@flyneagle8873]

Justin, I believe your son learned a valuable lesson from you taking the reins. Thats alot of pressure you relieved him from & to watch a true master at work, his dad, had to give him super confidence & the torch has been passed. You all ROCK.

[@louissutton2994]

i must be the only one here that thinks you should have let Saxon cut it i think he has enough skill to take it to the same level and if he were stuck i know he would come ask for your input. i had to give the reins to my son for a year where every mistake costs money but i will never regret the mistakes he made . the journey was priceless beautiful stone btw .

[@scottday8454]

I totally agree that Saxon was the best cutter for this stone... Yeah okay if stuffs it up! He selected the pieces he wanted to cut, let him finish what he started, with your guidance because he asked... Not being hateful on you Justin but, it is all part of the experience, make a mistake you shouldn't do it again... For mine... you may have just lost a student that you have were encouraging to take on the skill. Next time he might just say bugger it,,, Dad's just gunna cut it anyway... so why bother... Your shout! You owe Sax a beer or 3...

[@bobsagate8614]

Just my opinion but knowing when to stop is more important than just being able to cut a cab. He probably would have done fine, but I think he made the most important decision he could have by recognizing what he had, being patient, and asking for advice/help. I think the fact that Saxon stopped shows a level of knowledge and maturity that should earn him the reward of cutting the next cracker gem he comes across.

[@remaxima1]

I agree with Justin. Saxon's cutting skills are awesome.....maybe in 2 years he can go gung-ho on a rippa

[@selfretired3025]

I agree he would've enjoyed the experience... but he didn't mention if Saxon wanted to cut it or not. Red is so rare. He did bring it to Justin. They have an understanding. We all second guess ourselves and hindsight is 20/20. It could've turned out to be a flop. Never know until you go in. Saxon is skilled enough to stop if he questions anything. 👊❤️

[@Ermshteb]

@@louissutton2994 agreed, I gave up having a family to care for a disabled parent. I look forward to the day I can show someone and allow the mistakes; money is just money, it means nothing compared to what you have done and do with Jackson. Never should one prioritize money in life.

[@lpluva1]

He brought it to you because he has your incredible eye for color, and he knows enough to know he doesn't have your incredible talent for showing it off in the best way...Yet. He's a bright self aware kid, so you're as a good a dad as you are an Opal cutter, among the best.

[@elizabethwitt2621]

Beautifully said! My guess is Justin must have had the same experience with a piece beyond his expertise when he was learning from his dad.

[@calypzo69]

Saxon for the win. He knew well enough to go to his maestro with his find. Time and experience are the only things Saxon needs to be able to make the choices dad and grandad would've made. Kudos!

[@BLynnE]

You obviously have well placed pride in your son’s capabilities, but also a good mentor knows his students abilities at his current level. To have him learn on a rare stone would possibly have been a teachable and good lesson, but it just as well might have been _another dreaded learning experience_ he’d regret for the rest of his life. My opinion is that you did the right thing, and Saxon will have many more opportunities to shine. I think he did the right thing in coming to you for instruction. Bravo to him! Well done sir!

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you

[@davidkeys1879]

Don’t feel bad Justin. Saxton will have his day.

[@weirdcrunkygremlin1449]

I think Saxon will be an outstanding opal mastercutter, he has probably the best teacher you could have on this planet for this Task!

[@RandyNacol]

So beautiful and from an old jeweller who learned by mistakes ,your son is learning and if Saxon had had the chance of roughing out ,to a point you would be not worried , and then took over and finished the roughing out and polishing , would have been a way to go .. course you know how far along he's come so your judgement is better than us observers! Be proud he wants to follow in your family's foot steps

[@jewelbrand]

Since you asked…You cutting the stone was the right call 100% but it would’ve been nice to have had Saxon active on the sidelines during the cut, as this was a very important opportunity for optimal learning. You guys are great! Thank you for your videos & knowledge tree!

[@markharwood6794]

He showed excellent judgement and doesn't need too much pain whilst he learns, when he asks you if he can continue you'll know he's ready to make some mistakes.

[@michaelprue9024]

The results speak for themselves. What a great gem ! Truly beautiful. There is plenty of time for Saxon to learn from his dad. I think eventually he will be every bit the master his father is, maybe better. We always want/wish our kids do better than we did. I’m happy he recognized the importance of this piece and brought it to you. Another awesome video, thank you BOD !

[@woody2669]

Dont feel bad Dad...I'm 60 and can you brought your son up well and I'm sure he's very respectful of what you tell him and will always remember what you teach him.✌️

[@LumenPsycho]

No need to worry. You never give the new worker/apprentice expensive material to work on no matter the profession. They will learn like everyone else, slowly climbing the ladder of value based on experience, trust & outcome. If he really did recognize an expensive piece while cutting, I'd say that's a lesson in itself & kudos to him. By giving him the piece to work on, you could have made him feel bad for a long time if he made a mistake. Maybe even lose confidence for a while.

[@debraanchante3661]

I don’t think Saxon felt bad that you finished cutting that beautiful gem. There’s a lot to be said for learning by watching a master work. He learned a lot by watching you that day… more valuable than the stone itself.

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

Saxon has a great eye for finding phenomenal rough! I imagine he was relieved when you took it over. Great find Saxon! Most vivid black opal I have ever seen. 😮😊❤

[@TheDiplococcus]

What a stupendous gem. Saxon is clearly learning well if he can not only recognise a good stone, but also his current limitations in being able to cut it.

[@ianmax5263]

If I were you, I would have cut it myself. Tricky cutting with a large potential. I’m sure soon, you will have him cut this type of gem. He’s doing an amazing job, from what we’ve seen so far.

[@trunkmonkey9417]

You did right. I imagine Saxon would have been crushed if he had made a mistake on a stone with that potential value. As it is, he can be proud that he know to come to you and that together, your teamwork allowed you to produce and share a valuable moment. He will make those important learning mistakes on many lesser risks, and the end payoff will be his greater confidence. And I did appreciate your working around the fist color bar while you "snuck up" on the second color bar, in case it did not pan out, but when you could see that the second color bar was very likely to produce a better stone, You went in. Congrats to you and Saxon!

[@sticustom]

Saxon knew what to do. Thats learning. Dont stress as you both did the right thing.

[@sulaimanachir5500]

In the past 5 years I have often followed your videos, and recently I noticed that you seem to be getting older, I hope you are always healthy and always blessed...keep up the good work

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

You did the right thing and shouldn't feel bad about it. You have had decades to get to this point, and that just can't be learned in a handful of years. Beautiful stone!

[@annylindsay5358]

Awesome...and Saxon found it! Well done!

[@MichaelMeyer-uk5zd]

Don't beat yourself up you're very lucky your son is interested in the family business next time don't second-guess him let him go live and learn after all he's been taught by a master✌️

[@blackopaldirect]

Thank you yes I agree

[@timlaws7034]

You should have given your son a chance but stand by his side to help him through the process. That is the best way to learn from a master. Plus, you get to pass down your skills to him and bond at the same time.

[@philibuster6812]

I don't know if you should have let Saxon cut it or not but I love the closeness you have with your son and the closeness you had with your dad. That is pretty special.

[@jasonluke6364]

You both did the right thing. He figured it was out of his "Pay grade" so he handed it to someone he knew could do it

[@tattoedmat]

Stunning stone, I recon Saxon would have done a good job and let's face it he's sensible enough to ask before doing something drastic.

[@thenodiggardener]

I understand your feelings around the stone, but Saxon brought it to you for a reason. He has this video to refer to, and so next time he finds something similar, cut it together and talk him through it. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and it's always easy to beat ourselves up after the fact. Saxon has many chances ahead of him to cut something spectacular, and who knows, the next one may well knock this one off the wheel.

[@VintageSportsCards1979]

I'm sure you raised your son right and I'm sure since he's been around the business all his life he understands but you as a good dad now owe him a good stone to cut also.

[@TimISawake]

Considering the result, I don't think a single mistake was made. If you're not ready to allow your son to make those mistakes, then you made the right decision. But since you are having a conscious about how you handled the situation, it's certainly worth exploring. You were the one who made those mistakes, and learned from those lessons. You will need to feel comfortable allowing him to make those same mistakes, to learn from them, like you did. Decide for yourself, when you think that will be. It's an absolutely stunning opal! Both of you, should be proud! 😊

[@Vile_Entity_3545]

He can learn on less expensive pieces. I’m sure he has the integrity to accept that. He probably gets a share of the spoils from that stone he so unselfishly came to you to show. That also shows he knows when to come to you instead of being selfish, trying to cut it without your knowledge and trying to impress you knowing he could make a mistake. Top lad.

[@blackopaldirect]

that's it!

[@crickettheath3348]

The fact that Saxon knows enough to stop and show you what he found inside instead of continuing on is a good thing. If he comes to understand your decision making then he'll be a top notch cutter someday. Having him watch every step in the process will be a great guide for him. You did good Dad!

[@joshualang7783]

Such an awesome find being a new cutter ! How excited he must have been . He knows your passion for material like that . But I think you should guided him slowly on cutting that stone , so he could have experienced the patience and concentration it takes to cut and find something as amazing as that was 😊 but at the end of the day I loved watching this stone unfold ! Wouldn’t have thought it was going to cut so clean !

[@Experiment.626]

He just wanted to make sure you got the most bang for your buck on the cut he knows he’s still learning and showed massive respect to the teacher and the best part mate, the absolute most important thing you should be proud of him for is this. He didn’t let ego win, instead of saying I can cut this he said I can do this but I want to respect my father and teacher and make sure it gets done with precision. You got a good kid there and a great partner in cutting much love and respect to you all out there!

[@StrKillin]

I totally understand why you didnt want Saxton to cut it, as it could have been a very expensive missed opportunity if he lost the color, but i think you should have had some faith in him, maybe walked him through that gem to teach him how to capture the best gem possible on a knobby like that. Cant blame you one bit for making the decision you did though. What an amazing gem!

[@lewiscowden9731]

It's a beautiful gem. I would have let him cut the stone but looking on with him to advise if he needed it.

[@blackopaldirect]

Yeah I should have done that

[@meTWO2323]

​@@blackopaldirect He's got a great eye! Technique will be perfected.

[@rodneyyoung666]

I would have loved to see Saxon cut the nobby, but the color bar was so thin it left little degree for misjudgement. So sadly you made the right choice. He'll soon be following dad.

[@patricklarkin4389]

Honestly it’s a difficult thing to say to your son I’ll take over but I’m sure Saxon understands. He’s in it for the family business!! You made the right call Justin

[@blackopaldirect]

Thanks Patrick

[@mcchuggernaut9378]

He may not have been ready for that, but I sure hope you let him watch! He would have learned something valuable seeing how you handled that complicated cutting.

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Justin and Saxon for sharing this amazing Opal with me ! I cannot say whether you was right or wrong cutting this Opal Justin instead of Saxon cutting it ! If I was you Justin , I would sit down and talk with Saxon about this Opal that is if you haven't already talked to him about it before cutting it !

[@alifetomake]

The color bar was very thin, and the whole process very precise. I think you were right to take the lead on this one!

[@allielightfoot2769]

He knew he had something that was valuable. We as parents fumble moments sometimes. You could have taken that time to stand over him and guide him but you wanted it perfect. I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same thing. Now he earned your respect on knowing a nice stone and next time you will feel guilty if you don’t let him at it.

[@PaulTalarico-bo7tk]

I think you answered your own question. Hindsight is 20/20 though, you're doing a fine job overall with your boy you should be very proud

[@scottcaley6555]

You absolutely made the right call to finish cutting that gem! Tons of kudos to Saxon for identifying the signs of a valuable gem, and the maturity to stop and discuss it with you. Saxon just grew in his gem cutting prowess ❤. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next! 🤩

[@aaagloryroad3]

My dear friend from down under, ... , in my opinion, (your one of the most loving and caring people I know) you put money before your son. Only you know how to measure the benefits in this situation. Show him that you trust him. He will love you forever. Ps: I love you and all your family, employees also. John from Fl, USA.

[@mindsurfer101101]

The feeling bad doesn't necessarily mean you made the wrong choice, but it does mean you care, which makes you a good dad. Rest easy and trust in your love.

[@devinangola3458]

This opal hits all the sweet spots, you deciding to do this one yourself is more of a business decision and there is plenty of time for Saxon to hone his skills to attempt to cut such a stone. But that time is coming, and like your dad set you free to solo soon you will have to do the same.🙂 Exquisite pattern!😎👍

[@AJHyland63]

Saxon has learnt to recognise a special stone. Maybe the next he can cut with you standing beside him. Ask him his opinion, make alternative suggestions in the form of questions, but let him decide. That way he learns with guidance. Hopefully he stood beside you while you cut that and explained to him the reasons you made your decisions. One step at a time, mistakes and triumphs will ensure your father’s legacy carries on to the next generation.

[@papat-bone6474]

Its even more special because you and Saxon both worked on it

[@TheGold3nRatio]

you did just fine Dad...... he was so smart in knowing to bring it to you, he knew the value was there. you taught him well!

[@DaystarOfDivineOneness]

He is a blessed young man to have a father like you whose spirit is so sweet. Love you brother keep the power

[@amandadonegan2137]

Hopefully he was filming you and learning...l think you taught him the entire time which is why you had the soundtrack and voice-over 🤗🤗🤗💖

[@markmcarthy596]

Definitely let Saxon know you’re comfortable with him utilizing your teachings Justin

[@DEVILLXX74]

You should give him credit for actually catching the red deeper in the stone that you missed ! So this just proved he has learned a lot from you so far

[@indiosveritas]

As a dental student, I was presented by the professor an upper molar to do endodontic therapy ( a root canal ) . He stopped me at some point during the procedure. As I remember , he was not sad about it .

[@karmamagers537]

I think you are teaching Saxon another important lesson. That this is a business. A business that supports your family. He is learning his skills, perfecting his art, and there will forever be stones that he will make mistakes on, just as you occasionally make mistakes. But it cannot always be about skill and artistic ability alone. If he is to succeed in the future, he must learn the lessons of good business , which means he cannot ignore the reality that profit supports family and business.

[@tracyormandy9707]

Saxon found the colour and you cut it, team work 💪.

[@rogerreed905]

Im a believer of learning from experience . . . From what has been shown of Saxons work he is turning out some beautiful gems . . . . That alone could of been your guide . . Its only valuable once its finished . . Until then its rock Thats now a beautiful gem . . Awesome colours . . Bye from NZ👋🇳🇿🍻twa

[@adamnwizard]

I got my mom in to your channel! We watch you every time I visit her now 😊 What a beautiful gem out of a sandy knobby! Also, I'm not a father, so i';m not one to judge here, but I understand why you felt bad for not letting Saxon cut the gem. However, this gem was very touchy from the looks of it. One or two slight touches to the wheel brought out that magnificent color. Truthfully, that $4000 jem you let him cut recently was beautiful in itself! I think you're teaching him well :)

[@jamieblair1830]

You have instinctively made him very aware that a gorgeous stone could be hidden inside and he did the right thing my friend!!!!Bravo

[@jamieblair1830]

Thanks , but it is a true statement.

[@robertsmall1535]

Evening team opal❤❤🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️😎👍🇬🇧

[@weeb3277]

i think you should've let him cut it but under your strict supervision i think it's the best way to learn a craft from a master

[@haroldcrook4055]

I absolutely loved the stone before you cut it, rather than after. Sometimes great beauty is more magnificent with its natural contrast, to me. Thanks for your show.

[@s.f.8867]

I thing deep in his heart your son is glad you took over. Time will come when he will prevent you from doing expensive mistakes because his skills will grow and yours will decrease because we all get older.

[@Spudscave]

Hello from Glasgow Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MrSaltford]

A Genius at work, Your son would learn so much more by watching you cut the beautiful gems you just produced

[@felixccaa]

if Your son succeeds, it's Your success anyway - if he fails, it's going to be a priceless lesson

[@felixccaa]

There is this old b/w movie: "Edison, the Man", 1940 My most beloved scene is when the apprentice carries the bulb, slips and destroys it - but later, when they try again, Edison let's him carry it. I recommend to watch the movie. :D

[@truevegas]

I think Saxon played more of a part here than you realise. Give him a pat on the back, he made the right choice bringing it to Dad ❤

[@JasonRogersbarra]

I think you made the right call.. Saxon has a lifetime of gems to cut.. he recognised it was most likely a job for you that's why he showed you before going in.. good job by all accounts I feel

[@hendrikvandijk2483]

Personaly, I think you did the right thing. No need to rush the learning curve. If he buggered it up he would dwell on that the rest of his life. Also, what a gorgeous gem.